South Australia’s Strategic Plan is comprised of 100 targets. These targets are specific and measurable and enable us to measure our progress towards achieving the Plan’s visions and goals.

Each target is reported on through this section of the website. Data is analysed and uploaded as it becomes available.

Target:

86. Psychological wellbeing:

Equal or lower the Australian average for psychological distress by 2014 and maintain thereafter

Key Measure

Explanatory Comments

In 2011-12, 11.4% of South Australians experienced psychological distress compared to 14.1% in 2001 (baseline year). Nationally, 10.8% of people reported psychological distress in 2011-12 compared to 12.6% in 2001.

These results are drawn from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Health Survey (previously the National Health Survey) which is conducted every four years. Statistical limitations with the national data set prevent definitive comparisons between South Australian and Australian rates of psychological distress. The 14-15 results are due to be released in 2016 but until this time, the 2011-12 data remains the most recently available.

The South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS) is used as a supplementary data source for this target however statistical limitations with the national data set prevent definitive comparisons between South Australian and Australian rates of psychological distress.

Psychological distress is defined as those with high or very high psychological distress using the Kessler K10 measure of psychological distress. The K10 scale assesses the level of anxiety and depressive symptoms a person may have experienced in the most recent four-week period.